Big Boys Cry

April 15, 2019
On his first day of school, a young boy learns it's OK to show his feelings no matter his age. When Levi sets out for his first day at an unfamiliar school, Papa tells him, "Big boys don't cry," because he doesn't know what else to say to calm Levi's nerves. Along the way, Levi encounters men of all different ages and many walks of life stirred to tears by sadness, art, happiness, and love. At the end of the day, Levi learns his father felt scared about sending Levi to school too, and they both agree that it's just fine for big boys to cry after all. Debut author and illustrator Howley sets the tone for this quiet, vulnerable story with softly colored illustrations and a quaint, seaside village setting. Both Levi and his dad are white, while the background characters are diverse (though there is not much variation to the spectrum of brown depicted). Details around the home, such as the pictures on the wall, suggest that Levi's father is a single parent. His sensitivity makes him a refreshing representation of a father character, as does his willingness to accept and grow from his mistake. The overall lesson about men showing tears is made all the more effective with its representation of a range of feelings beyond sadness. A compassionate story that encourages openness and honesty about emotions. (Picture book. 3-7)

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May 27, 2019
When Levi, a boy with wavy blonde hair that matches his father’s, expresses anxiety about going to school, “Papa didn’t know what to do. So he told Levi, ‘Big boys don’t cry.’ ” Levi fights tears as he walks from their seaside home, across a boardwalk, a busy town square, and to school in stylized spreads that show a vast sea and characters resembling charming wooden puppets. But en route, he observes a variety of characters expressing emotions: “a fisherman with tears in his eyes, setting off on a long trip,” a weeping harpist, and “passionate poets.” As Levi settles into school, he doesn’t cry; the day isn’t so scary. Back home, though, he finds his father in tears: “It was your first day at a new school... And I was scared.” It’s okay for anyone to express emotions, Howley hints—and parents, too, may need a reminder. Ages 3–7.

June 14, 2019

K-Gr 2-Levi is nervous about his first day at a new school; with tears in his eyes, he tells his father that he is scared. Not knowing what to do, his father says "Big boys don't cry!" and sends him off. However, along his way, Levi encounters all kinds of adults crying. Proud men, rich men, musicians, poets, bikers, grandfathers, husbands, and sailors. Each man has his own, often tender, reason for shedding tears. When Levi arrives at school, he finds that it isn't so scary! Upon his return home, he sees his father waiting for him with tears in his own eyes. Levi sweetly imparts his newfound wisdom to his father: big boys do cry. The two embrace and enjoy an evening together in the glow of the setting sun. This book is emotional with a meaningful message. The illustrations are outstanding. Howley's art is vibrant, detailed, and visually interesting. VERDICT With its much needed message and beautiful illustrations, this book is a highly recommended purchase for any library.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2019
Preschool-G Levi is crying because it's his first day at a new school. Big boys don't cry, Papa tells him, but Levi's journey as he walks proves otherwise. First he sees a fisherman weeping, then a harpist, grandparents, new parents, rich men, poor men, army men, brainy men, and even baker men. Big boys were crying everywhere! And Levi finds school isn't so scary. He makes friends and walks home with a big smile on his face. The biggest surprise of all? Papa is crying when he returns, because he was worried about Levi. And those tissue boxes on the endpapers at the finish? All empty. The details on each box represent all the people Levi has seen on his seaside walk, an enticement to read the story again. British debut author-illustrator Howley uses digitally created full-bleed pages that highlight the bright pastels of the seashore. Children will have fun seeking out the spurting blue drops on each unique face, as they understand that it's OK to cry.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)